Recently I have been thinking about parenthood a lot. and I have to admit, I think I am an awesome parent. Now hear me outside of pride...I had the BEST examples that I try to emulate daily. My parents were and are amazing.
My parents raised me to believe that I could do anything I wanted to so long as I kept Christ in my primary focus. Remember the ole saying "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Phil 4:4. Well, I don't just believe this as a Sunday school lesson. I believe this in its entirety.
IN my upbringing, both my parents were honest with me in their life experiences, trials and weaknesses and I was lucky to listen to much of their advice (let's be honest we all have to learn a few of the lessons the hard way). It was through their guidance and council, I got good grades in school and completed college without any major regrets.
But above anything else, I credit my parents to my personal belief that I can take on the world. I was thinking about this during my stroller walk with the kids today and I truly truly feel that I am capable at taking some serious issues head on and that through a hard work, prayerful discernment and a willing attitude, I can do anything.
Many might credit this to disillusionment, but I believe that I have lived my life in testament to that belief. From standing up for my faith in face of peer pressure and grade deductions to fighting for what is right in the path of adversary. From tackling a challenging work environment to living with a difficult person to fixing the leaking toilet in the bathroom. If I don't know how to fix something or accomplish a task then I know that I can learn by research, trial and error.
Seeking advice from my parents is honestly a common ritual. I think my parents are very wise and frankly I am honored that I have never had to learn otherwise. I can see past their faults and into their brilliance. If I disagree with something, I can understand the angle the are approaching from. And from this they have helped me in my newest adventure and life long challenge-parenting. I hope to be as good a parent to my children as they continue to be for me.
So on my stroller walk I contemplated the legacy I want to pass onto my own children and came up with this list:
1.) Love God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. For God desires to pour fountains of blessings on you should you choose to follow HIS path for your life.
2.) Money isn't everything, in fact it is worth very little indeed. If strive for money in your life you will turn up lonely, stressed and unfulfilled. But if you wait upon the Lord he will heap mountains of riches on you and all of your needs will be met, and even a few of your desires.
3.) Hannah no man is good enough for you except the one who hung on the cross for your life. Therefore, be an independent woman, free of the dependency and expectations of any man. But learn to love just one of equal yoke through his faults to the end of your days on this earth. Honor him through your knowledge and wisdom and not the lack of it.
4.) Zechary love is sacrificial. Love your bride as Christ loved the Church. Provide for your family as a man ought to but seek a Proverbs 31 woman. As my dad always said "if you want to be happy for the rest of your life make an ugly woman your wife" in other words, make sure she too believes in sacrificial love.
5.) With a little hard work, prayerful discernment and a willing attitude, you can do anything you set your mind to!
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord And whose trust is the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:7)
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